Held at the Cartier boutique at Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City Shopping Centre in Singapore, the Santos de Cartier exhibition sees the iconic timepiece takes center stage at the “Legendary Thrill” display.

Proudly positioned as the first modern wristwatch back in 1904, the Santos gets the design and functional updates that sees it set the benchmark once again. Read more here.

The Brand focused on comfort and intelligent proportions in the updating of the Santos while maintaining consistency and respect for its established aesthetic.

The square “tonneau” shape remains unchanged, echoing the refinement and symmetry of Parisian geometry of the era, as extolled in the four angular corners of the Eiffel Tower. The eight screws on the bezel remain, functional yet also a miniature tribute to the proliferation of mechanical steel structures associated with a golden age of urban architecture.

The design of the bezel has been updated, with sleeker lines accentuating the stylistic dynamic of the watch, whilst providing a better ergonomic fit around the wrist.

The strap has always been a key defining DNA for the Santos, having been proudly positioned as the first modern wristwatch when Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont asked Louis-François Cartier to create a timepiece able to be worn on the wrist, and not kept in a pocket, for his flights.

Now it has been updated with a quick interchangeable feature, the QuickSwitch system, patent pending, hidden underneath. Available in steel, gold, calfskin or alligator skin, the mechanism in the strap seamlessly blends into the structure of the case.

With these design and functional updates, the brand once again sets the benchmark for these modern times.